Door sizes fundamentally refer to the dimensions of the door panel itself, typically measured by its width and height. However, understanding door sizes also requires knowing the dimensions of the rough opening needed in the wall to accommodate the door and its frame.
Understanding Standard Door Dimensions
According to standard practices, door sizes come in typical dimensions. While variations exist, especially for custom or specific applications, common sizes provide a good starting point.
- Standard Widths: Standard door sizes vary in width, from 24 to 36 inches. This range covers common needs for interior and exterior doors.
- Standard Height: Most standard doors are typically 80” high. This height is prevalent in residential and many commercial buildings.
These dimensions (width x height) specify the physical size of the door slab or panel you would purchase.
The Rough Opening: More Than Just the Door Size
The rough opening is the framed hole in the wall where the door unit (which includes the door frame and the door itself) will be installed. The rough opening must be larger than the door size to allow space for the frame, shims for plumbing and leveling, and insulation.
The relationship between the door size and the required rough opening is crucial for proper installation. The reference provides specific examples:
- If you have a 28” x 80” door, your rough opening will be 30” x 82 ½”.
- A 30” x 80” door will have a rough opening that measures 32” x 82 ½”.
As these examples show, the rough opening is wider and taller than the door slab itself. This extra space accounts for the door frame thickness and necessary clearance.
Rough Opening Examples
Here's a quick summary of the relationship based on the provided examples:
| Door Size (Width x Height) | Required Rough Opening (Width x Height) |
|---|---|
| 28" x 80" | 30" x 82 ½" |
| 30" x 80" | 32" x 82 ½" |
In general, the rough opening is typically about 2 inches wider and 2.5 inches taller than the actual door panel dimensions. This extra space ensures the door unit can be installed correctly within the wall structure.
Understanding both the door size and the required rough opening is essential for anyone planning a new door installation or replacement.
